There is still a long way to go but the presentation at the Il Sole 24 Ore forum of three well renowned companies in Italy shed hope on the battle of the sexes. Here is a little summary of what these companies are doing to ensure equal opportunities.

Mara Caverni, Partner at Pricewaterhouse Coopers seemed the least convincing of three. Despite the fact that there is a 50:50 representation of men and women, only 13% of women make it as partners. They are nevertheless promoting coaching activities and other initiatives to assist women. The problem; however is that the nature of the work requires long hours and unfortunately does not suit women with families assuming that the woman is bearing also these responsibilities. In any case, her message is “Lead as a Woman”, you are good for what you are.

Luca Rossetto, Managing Director of UPIM said that their company also had an equal balance of gender. He laid down their company’s best practices:

1. Never let a man alone decide on the hiring of an employee;
2. Never let a man alone decide on the pay of the employee;
3. Always monitor the level of wages;
4. Make space for children. They are our assets of the future;
5. Women good at what they do will get promoted;

Francesca Chelli, Managing Director of Nespresso was my hero. A beautiful and elegant woman not only preserves her femininity but also applies it to the workplace. A true example of what a woman in power is capable of doing – making the changes to create a favourable environment also for women and ensuring a successful company. The changes she made were to introduce flexible contracts for both men and women. To ensure that everyone went home at a decent time i.e. staying late at the office is an exception – (she has two children and making time for them is not a weakness). Finally, she ensures that efficiency is the company motto. Meetings are kept to a minimum with a strict agenda.